Liquid cooler



I June 5, 1951 w. L. CURRIE LIQUID COOLER Filed Dec. 13, 1947 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jun 5, 1951 Filed Dec. 15, 194'? W. L. CURFME LIQUID COOLER 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 jnz/afnl of' Z L'am,

w. 1.. cunmr LIQUID COOLER June 5, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet ,3

Filed Dec. 13', 1947 fnvefifor all Currie W. L. CURRIE LIQUID COOLER June 5, 1951 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Dec. 13, 1947 Patented june 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE LIQUID COOLER William L. Currie, Muskegon, Mich., assignor to Borg-Warner Corporation, Chicago, 111., a corporation of Illinois Application December 13, 1947, Serial No. 791,544

'cooler adapted to be mounted on a table or stand. ,The cooler is preferably made relatively light inweight so that it may be conveniently moved from, one position to another, and possesses those attributes which places it in a distinct class particularly desirable for individual use in a private ofiice, home, hotel, hospital, or institution.

One of the important objects of the invention is to'provide a portable cooler in which improved principles of design and construction are embodied in the evaporator and tank for containing the liquid to be cooled, including means for reenforcing the same.

A' particular object of the invention is to provide unique dual supporting means whereby a water bottle of one cross-sectional size may be mounted on one of the supporting means and a bottle or other container of a different crosssectional size may be mounted on the other supporting means.

Another object of the invention is to provide the tank of the cooler with improved baffle means whereby the liquid from the bottle will be directed outwardly in contact with a wall of the evaporator, which wall in the present construc- 'tion constitutes a wall of the tank.

[Another object of the invention is to provide a cooler in which the complete mechanism or operating units thereof can be tested prior to placing the same within a housing or cabinet therefor.

Additional objects of the invention are to provide an improved frame construction and subassemblies, including the compressor, condenser, control apparatus, fan, spigot, and drip pan connection with the cabinet.

The invention also has the advantages of comthereof, showing details of the tank, evaporator, and baffie;

Figure 4 is a vertical section taken through an appropriate part of the cooler at its other extremity, showing details of the compressor, condenser, and fan unit; and

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view depicting a spigot structure different from that shown in Figure 3, and means for mounting the same.

The preferred construction of the cooler, as exemplified particularly in Figures 2, 3, and 4 of the drawing, includes, among other things, a

circulating system comprising a compressor I for compressing and circulating any desirable gas refrigerant through a pipe 2 to a condenser unit 3 where it is changed into a liquid and directed through a conduit 4 to a drier 5, through convolutions of a capillary tube 6 to evaporator 1,

associated with a receptacle 8, where the refrigerant is changed back into a gas and passes through a return line 9 to the compressor for recycling. These parts and others comprising the system are mounted either directly or indirectly on a base Ill and arranged in a housing or shell ll connected to the base.

The base may be constructed as desired, but as herein depicted includes a generally rectangular frame formed of side rails l2 and end rails l3 of angle iron, the ends of which are secured together by screws 14. Feet l5 are attached to the corners of the frame by screws 6.

The compressor and condenser are supported adjacent one end of the base and the combined receptacle and evaporator are located adjacent its other end within the housing as illustrated in Figure 2. The receptacle 8 is preferably made in the form of an upstanding cylindrical 'metal tank for holding water or other commodity to be cooled or chilled and is well insulated by a jacket I! of cork or other suitable insulating material.

The compressor l is preferably resiliently mounted on upper and lower resilient abutments i8 and I9 in a generally oblong upstanding supporting frame 20 formed by two U-shaped members of channel iron to provide stability and at the same time prevent noise and transmittal of vibrations to the base and housing while the system is operating. This frame is anchored to the end plates 2| of the condenser unit by fittings 22. Then fittings are welded to the end plates as indicated at 23 and screws 24 extend through the fittings into the frame. The end plates 2| are carried by the base attached to one of the end rails of the base and a cross-member 25 by bolts as shown in Figure 2. The resilient abutment I8 is disposed in a cup 21 secured to the compressor. A screw 28 extends through the top of the oblong frame 20. abutment i8, and in the base wall of the cup so that the abutment may be compressed between such base wall and the frame. The lowe abutment is is similarly mounted and by manipulating the screw as and a screw 29 associated with the lower abutment the compressor may be resiliently adjusted yet firmly supported.

The condenser unit 3 of a forced convection type is preferably disposed directly below the compressor, and includes a coil 30 of tubing forming a tortuous passage for the refrigerant. The looped ends of the vcoil are supported in openings 3! formed in the end plate 2i. Heat dissipating fins are attached to the coil.

The capillary tube 6, above referred to, leading from the drier 5 tothe evaporator is approximately .O31 inch in inside diameter and 10 feet long and is employed to lower the pressure of the refrigerant liquid from its high pressure state to a low pressure condition. Attention is directed to the fact that a length of this tube is arranged in heat exchange contact with the return line 9.

An electric fan 32 operable when the compressor is operating serves to draw air up through the base frame it, condenser coil 36, and about the compressor and out through a flared annular throat 33. and an outlet opening 34 provided in the back wall 35 of the housing for cooling the operating mechanisms. This back wall is prefe erably provided with a circular rearwardly extending formation 36 within Which a screen 37 is seated. This throat includes a radial flange which is secured against the screen and to the wall by screws 88, as shown in Figure 4. The motor of the fan may be mounted as desired but is preferably provided with a resilient spider 39 having legs 40 which are detachably connected to the throat. to provide a resilient mounting for the motor and fan, and position the fan centrally in the throat.

The tank 8 may be of any desirable shape or configuration suitable for the purpose, but as herein depicted preferably includes a lower cylindrical extremity 4H having a bottom wall 42 and an upper cylindrical extremity 43 of a diameter somewhat greater than the diameter of the lower extremity. I

The tank 3 and insulating jacket I"! are mounted on a platform H which in turn is supported on a framework 25 carried by the base Hi, as clearly shown in Figures 2 and 3. A space 46 is provided between the tank and the inner surface of the jacket and within this space is located a shell 47 forming a complementary part of the evaporator which will later be described more in detail, lengths of the capillary tube 6 and return line 9, are also arranged in such space.

The housing ll includes a cap portion 68 provided with an opening defined by a marginal inturned flange 49 which is inset in a recess 56 formed in the jacket. The upper extremity of the tank is provided with a beaded edge 5! forming a flange 52 spaced from the inturned flange 49. A resilient gasket is provided with a portion 53 interposed between the flanges 49 and 52, and a bearing portion 54 overlying the bead of the tank and upper surface of the cap 48. This gasket may support a relatively large bottle as indicated by the dotted lines 55 in Figure 3 or may support a cover 56', for protecting the contents improved principlesof design and construction and will now be described. The shell 57 above referred to, surrounds the tank and is press fitted and sealed onto its upper extremity 43, and is provided with an offset band-like portion which is sealed against its lower extremity 4| to provide an annular fluid tight evaporating chamber 59, within which the liquid refrigerant entering the chamber, under low pressure, may expand into a gas and in the process absorb or withdraw heat from the water, or other contents of the tank, to reduce its temperature, after which the gas passes into the return line 2 back into the compressor i for recycling. The shell may be sealed to the tank by seam welding or other appropriate means. The evaporator is preferably reenforced by a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart round corresponding indentatioris 60 which are spot-welded to the tank.

' It will thus be manifest that the tank and shell in combination provide the evaporator 7, which has proven economical to manufacture and assemble and efficient in operation.

Attention is directed to the fact that the capillary tube 6 extends through an aperture 6| pro vided therefor in the shell and that its outlet end is preferably located nearthe bottom of the chamber 59. The inlet end of the return line 9 also extends through an aperture 62 provided in the shell. The lower extremity 45 of the tank is provided with a bulge 63, adjacent the inlet end of the return line in order to assist in the proper escape of the gas into such line.

A bafile 64 preferably in the form of an ina verted cup is adapted to be removably mounted in a central position on the bottom wall 42 of the tank. This baille is of a diameter somewhat 1 or be directed outwardly as well as downwardly into intimate contact with that portion of the tank which forms with the shell 41 the evaporator l. The top wall of baiiie is preferably formed to provide a relatively shallow pocket 65 to assist in uniformly directing the water toward the evaporator. The cylindrical side wall of the bafiie is provided with an enlarged notch or interruption 66 to permit entry of water into the baffle. This baflie also serves as a shield for a. thermostat 61 extending upwardly through the bottom wall 42 of the tank. A handle 68 may also be mounted on the ba'file to locate and lift the bafile relative to the tank.

The thermostat 67 may be of a conventional type. The one illustrated is disposed in a tube 69, the interior of the latter being sealed with respect to the interior of the tank. The cooler is provided with a dialin device 16, which may be manipulated to control electrical apparatus 1| carried by the compressor I to operate the compressor. Such device by an indicator '12 may be set to predetermine the temperature of the water in the tank, so that when the temperature thereof rises above a certain degree, the thermostat will automatically close an electrical circuit to actuate the apparatus H to operate the compressor, condenser and other mechanisms, whereupon the refrigerant will be caused to circulate in a way to reduce the temperature of the water. The cooler may be connected to an electrical supply line by merely attaching the plug 13 to an outlet. As shown in Figure 4, the ap-.

paratus is detachably connected to the compressor by a strap 14 which binds the'apparatus .to a block of insulation 15 or other material carried by the compressor, the ends of the strap being yieldably held in recesses 16 formed in such block. a

The spigot assembly illustrated in Figure .3. includes, among other things, a casing Tl anchored withina guide 18 secured to the front wall 19 of the platform 44 which supports the tank and insulator jacket. This casing 11 is provided with a protuberance 80 within which is sealed one end of a pipe Bl. The other end of this pipe projects upwardly through the bottom wall of the tank. At this point it is well to mention that all of the connections between the various parts entering the tank or evaporator are sealed to prevent leakage. A resilient tubular member 82 provided with internal grippin portions 83 is firmly secured in the casing and is adapted to detachably receive the inner end of a non-metallic tubular fitting 84. This fitting is projectible through aligned openings, 85 and 85 respectively, provided in the front wall of the platform and front wall 8'! of the housing II and is preferably tapered at 88 which assists in piloting and (:en-- tering the fitting for entry into the resilient member 82 where the inner cylindrical end 89 of such fitting is sealed in place by the gripping portions 83 to provide a leak proof joint. A hearing member 90 is secured in the opening 86 in the front wall of the housing and in addition to imparting rigidity to the housing adjacent such opening serves as an abutment for the outer extremity of the fitting. This fitting is provided with a valve 9| manually controlled by a plunger 92 to allow passage of water from the tank through the outlet 93 into a cup, which cup, may be obtained from a vending device 94 appropriately attached to the upper right hand corner of the front wall of the housing,

The cooler is also provided with a drip pan 95 located below the spigot valve. This pan is preferably made of a non-metallic material, generally semi-circular in shape and includes a rearwardly extending continuation 96 which is frictionally detachably received between one of the side rails l2 of the base In and a metal piece 91.

The modified spigot assembly exemplified in Figure 5, embodies novel principles of design and construction. In this assembly the water is taken directly from the tank at a point in close proximity to the evaporator where the water should be at its lowest temperature. As shown the inner reduced end of a tubular casing 98 extends into the tank through an aperture in the rounded portion of the tank and is soldered or welded in such aperture. A tubular resilient sealing member 99 is firmly secured in an enlarged portion of the casing. The spigot is provided with a tube I00 which is adapted to be projected through an opening in the front wall of the housing, through insulation IOI surrounding the walls of the tank and through the sealing member so that the gripping portions I02 thereof will grip and seal the tube therein. The spigot may be easily and quickly detachably connected to the sealing memher. That portion of the tube adapted to be 10-. cated in the tank is preferably disposed slightly.

above the bottom wall of the tank so as to entrap any sediment in the tank and prevent its passing.

out through the tube.

While I have illustrated the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that many other modifications may be made with-.

outdepartin from the spirit of the invention, and I do not wish to be limited to the precise details of the construction set forth; but desire to avail myself of all changes within th scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. An evaporator for use in a cooler comprising a cylindrical tank having a reduced extremity, a cylindrical shell having end portions connected in sealed sleeve-fitting engagement with said reduced extremity and the larger part of the tank to provide an annular chamber surrounding the reducedextremity through which a refrigerant may be circulated, and a plurality of circumferentially spaced concave depressions joining the shell and reduced extremity together at points intermediate the ends of said shell for reenforc-:

ing the evaporator.

2. A cooler comprising in combination: a frame; an elongated housing mounted on said frame; a compressor, condenser, and a fan unit carried by said frame in one extremity of said housing, an upstanding tank arranged in the other extremity of said housing; a jacket of insulation about said tank; said tank being open at its upper end and including a cylindrical side wall and a bottom wall; a cylindrical shell arranged in concentric spaced relation to a portion of said tank, the ends of said shell being secured and sealed to the said portion of said tank to provide an eVaporating chamber surrounding said tank through which a refrigerant may be circulated to reduce the temperature in the tank; a thermostat extending upwardly through the bottom wall of the tank; a bafile disposed in the lower end of said tank and arranged to provide a shield for the thermostat, said baflie being also located so as to direct liquid falling from a container adapted to be supported by said tank toward said evaporator chamber; tubular resilient means; an outlet pipe in communication with said tank and said resilient means; and a spigot extending into the housing and with its inner end gripped by said means to provide a fluid tight joint therebetween.

3. In a liquid cooler comprising a horizontally disposed elongated housing and a compressor and a condenser operatively disposed within said housing, an evaporator comprising a pair of tubular members arranged and secured in concentric spaced apart sealing relationship to provide an evaporating chamber through which a refrigerant may be circulated and defining a tank arranged to receive a liquid to be cooled, a baffle mounted on the bottom of the tank, a plurality of inwardly extending projections providing a seat arranged so that a container for liquids may be received in the upper portion of the tank to engage the seat so that the liquid from the container will fall on the baffle and be directed outwardly against the inner wall of the evaporator, said tank being provided with an outlet arranged in the housing, and a resilient tubular means located adjacent the outlet and a spigot provided with a tubular extension arranged for projection through the outlet into the tubular means whereby the latter will cooperate to provide a fluid tight connection therebetween.

4. A tank for a liquid cooler having a liquid container receiving portion of cylindrical configuration and generally uniform diameter, said liquid container receiving portion being provided with abutment means at one end thereof and ar rangedto support a liquid container of relatively large size, and said liquid container receiving pore tion being provided with a plurality of circum ferentially spaced concave indentations forming a seat at a location spaced longitudinally from said end and arranged to support a liquid container of a size substantially smaller than said first-mentioned liquid container when the firstmentioned container is not supported by said abutment means.

5. In a liquid cooler comprising a horizontally disposed elongated housing and a compressor and a condenser operatively disposed within said housing, an evaporator comprising a pair of tubular members arranged and secured in concentric spaced .apart sealing relationship to provide an evaporating chamber through which a refrigerant may be circulated and defining a tank arranged to receive a liquid to be cooled, with the combination .of a bafiie mounted on the bottom of the 8 tank so that the liquid will fall on the baffle and be directed outwardly against the inner wall .of the evaporator, said tank being provided with an outlet arranged in the housing, and a resilient tubular means located adjacent the outlet'and a spigot provided with a tubular extension ar ranged for projection through the outlet into the tubular means whereby the latter will co-J operate to provide a fluid tight connection thereei between.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS WILLIAM -L. ZCURRIE] Ralston Oct. 10, v1946 

